The autumn leaves are falling like rain. Although my neighbors are all barbarians and you, you are a thousand miles away, there are always two cups at my table.

T’ang Dynasty poem

Ten thousand flowers in spring, the moon in autumn, a cool breeze in summer, snow in winter. If your mind isn't clouded by unnecessary things, this is the best season of your life.

~ Wu-men ~

Saturday, November 18, 2017

Dao De Jing, #65: Curing Problems

The Dao De Jing is not only one of the world's great classics, it is one of the foundations of Philosophical Daoism. A free online version of the Dao De Jing may be found here. Today we have #65 Curing Problems

The actions that were handed down by those who followed Dao in the past were in opposition to what was considered intelligent by the rest of the people.They were regarded as being foolish.

Most people's difficulties come from the way they choose to cure their problems.

That's the way they perceive things.Therefore, that's the way they perceive the rest of society - as though the rest of society was out to rob them.Because they don't understand how society works, society controls their De.

Always try to understand both of those things, and look for the flaws in attempting to follow those patterns.Always understand that looking for flaws in those patterns is correctly described as the mystery of De.The mystery of De requires inquiry.

Always being on the move.When things work together to see the other side, in that way they reach the greatest agreement.